Religion, Philosophy, and Peace Studies
Studying religion at Wilmington College offers the opportunity to explore not only the Quaker tradition informing the history and mission of the College since its founding, but also the broader Christian tradition and other major religions of the world. Whether in courses on the Bible or the historical Jesus, on dreams or comparative religions, students are invited to engage with the mystery of the sacred, and the ethical and philosophical questions that have occupied human beings since the dawn of history.
Philosophy is the love of wisdom. Wisdom emerges from clear, logical, and creative thought, and an earnest attempt to understand reality, knowledge, ethical responsibility, and other concerns in our everyday lives. Philosophy attempts to integrate all human thought and experience into a meaningful whole.
Study in Religion and Philosophy can lead to careers in the ministry, but most important, the breadth of knowledge, the critical thought skills, and the holistic thinking required in this major are valued in business, law, and other professions.
Degrees
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Religion and Philosophy Major -
Peace Studies Minor -
Religion and Philosophy Minor
Courses
RP132G: MYSTERIES AND MIRACLES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: BIBLE I
RP133G: FROM THE GOSPELS TO REVELATION: BIBLE II
RP140: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
RP231: INTRODUCTION TO QUAKERS
RP236: INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THINKING
RP239: VALUES AND ETHICS
RP240G: COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS I: JUDAISM AND ISLAM
RP241G: COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS II: INDIGENOUS AND EASTERN RELIGIONS
RP250: ISSUES IN RELIGION and Philosophy
This course introduces students to current issues in the academic study of religion and philosophy, including the following topics: Quakers, Critical Thinking, the Philosophy of Religion, and others. Course may be repeated when topics vary.
RP336: ECOLOGICAL ETHICS
RP336: Ethical Eating : Food Ethics and the Environmental Crisis
Food is a moral issue. Every time we eat we make a decision that affects ourselves, others, and the planet. So how can we eat well? What does it mean to produce, distribute, and consume food in a morally responsible way? This class will explore these complex questions by introducing students to the basic issues of ethical theory, food ethics and environmental philosophy. Do we have moral responsibilities to nonhuman animals and the earth? If so, how can we practice agriculture in a sustainable way that honors these responsibilities? What are the pros and cons of a globalized food system? What is food insecurity and how do we address it? Should we be worried about bioengineering and GMO's? These are just some of the many questions we will be addressing inour quest to discover what it means to become ethical eaters.
RP347: The Good Life
What does it mean to be human? What makes us truly happy? What is a good life and how do we achieve it? These are some of life's most important questions. This class will help answer them by surveying the history if philosophy from around the globe. Seeking insights from the Ancient Gods, Eastern traditions like Buddhism and Confucianism, and modern European philosophy, we will comparatively explore how history's greatest thinkers have approached the meaning of life. Most importantly, we will discuss the relevance of these approaches to our lives today. Can philosophy and Ancient figures like Socrates really help us become better and more fulfilled people? Yes! This class will demonstrate how.